LEADGATE MAN CALLUM GODFREY CAUGHT WITH CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN DURHAM COURT

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Leadgate community near Consett, Durham, a local man named Callum Godfrey has been found guilty of possessing indecent images of children. The incident came to light during a police investigation that targeted online child exploitation activities, leading to a detailed examination of Godfrey’s electronic devices.

On May 31 of the previous year, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Godfrey’s residence in Leadgate, a small town close to Consett. During the raid, authorities confiscated two laptops, a computer hard drive, and a mobile phone, all of which were subjected to forensic analysis. The investigation uncovered a disturbing pattern of online searches and images that pointed to a troubling interest in child exploitation.

Analysis of the seized devices revealed that Godfrey had conducted searches using terms such as ‘Lolita’, ‘Underage Jail Bait’, and ‘LS Models’. These searches led to the discovery of a total of 1,444 indecent images, including both still photographs and videos. Among these, 62 images were classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of indecency. Some of the videos contained moving images, further emphasizing the disturbing nature of the material.

During court proceedings, prosecutor Chris Wood outlined that Godfrey admitted to making these searches. However, he claimed that he believed the images were no longer accessible or available, suggesting a sense of denial or minimization of his actions. Godfrey explained to police that he viewed the images “out of curiosity,” and that his consumption of such material was sometimes influenced by alcohol and drugs, although he also admitted to viewing them when sober.

When questioned about his motives, Godfrey told authorities, “I don’t really know. It was out of curiosity at the time.” The court heard that he may have a sexual interest in minors, as he expressed arousal from images depicting teenagers aged between 15 and 18. However, the actual ages of the children in the images ranged from as young as two years old up to 15, including both male and female victims, highlighting the severity and range of the offending material.

Callum Godfrey, aged 30 and residing on Fourth Street in Pont Bungalows, faced multiple charges related to the possession of indecent images of children. He pleaded guilty to three counts of making such images, a conviction that underscores the gravity of his actions.

Judge Christopher Prince presided over the case and addressed Godfrey directly, emphasizing the extent of his online activity over several years. The judge stated, “Over several years you’ve used the Internet to look at all range of indecent images of children. Certainly, you were seeking out that imagery.”

Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the offense, Judge Prince expressed a preference for a community-based sentence rather than immediate custody. He questioned what measures could best protect the public and prevent future offending, ultimately deciding that a community order would be appropriate. The judge noted that Godfrey had been honest with police when questioned, which was a mitigating factor, and believed he would engage positively with rehabilitation efforts.

As part of his sentence, Godfrey was ordered to complete a three-year community order, including 30 days of rehabilitation activities with the Probation Service. Additionally, he was mandated to participate in a sex offender treatment program. The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and required him to register as a sex offender for five years, both measures aimed at safeguarding the community and monitoring his behavior moving forward.